Fundraiser Started, Search Continues For Teens Missing In Inwood

INWOOD, MANHATTAN — Two 13-year-old boys who vanished after jumping into the water in Inwood Hill Park are still missing more than a week later, and as community members raise thousands for their families.

Police said Monday that there were no updates since the two teens, identified by their families as Manny Flores and Isaiah Moronta, jumped into the water on March 13 near West 218th Street and Indian Road.

A GoFundMe started last week for the Flores family had raised nearly $7,000 by Monday morning. The fundraiser asked for donations to help Manny's family continue to search for him.

"We are beyond devastated by this tragedy," organizer Dayana Pimentel wrote. "Please find it in your heart to give to his family in their time of need."

The boys were part of a group of about five who climbed onto a railroad bridge near the water through a hole in the fence, according to reports.

Family members told WPIX that Isaiah jumped in first, then came out of the water, and that Manny jumped in next, but was struggling to swim.

Manny and Isaiah's parents both said that Isaiah then jumped in again to help Manny.

“Isaiah went in after him to save him,” his dad, Oscar Moronta told WPIX.

The families say they think the two boys were dragged away by the water's currents.

Emergency responders were called to look for the boys around 4:30 p.m. that Friday.

The search quickly ramped up as helicopters, search boats and a rescue team with wet suits and life preservers showed up at the park, a resident who was at the park told Patch.

Manny was last seen wearing dark green underwear and is about 120 pounds and stands at 5'4". Isaiah was last seen wearing neon green reflective underwear, is about 125 pounds and stands about 5'9", according to a missing poster.

The flyer asks those in the entire tri-state area to keep an eye out for the boys. Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD's 34th Precinct, which can be reached at (212) 927-9711.